On 15 July, it became known that political prisoner Ametkhan Abdulvapov suffered a stroke during his transfer to Penal Colony No. 2 in Angarsk, Irkutsk region. He endured it “on his feet” as the colony staff refused to provide him with medical assistance. His family learned about the incident from a letter he wrote.
His father, Nedzhyp Abdulvapov, emphasises that his son had never experienced heart issues, suggesting that the stroke may have been caused by violent actions by the colony staff.
On 9 February 2022, Ametkhan Abdulvapov was detained by Russian security forces in a case concerning alleged involvement in the activities of the political party Hizb ut-Tahrir. On 15 March 2023, the Southern District Military Court sentenced the activist to ten years and six months of imprisonment. Earlier, he had complained of dental issues, high blood pressure, and severe swelling. However, it is unknown whether he received medical assistance, as there was no contact with Ametkhan during the transfer.
In addition to Ametkhan Abdulvapov, dozens of other political prisoners reported a deterioration in their health throughout July. Shaban Umerov, Rustem Seitmemetov, Dzhebbar Bekirov, Yashar Muiedinov, Arsen Abkhairov, Emil Dzhemadenov, and Amet Suleimanov are among the many Crimeans suffering from a lack of medical care. Their conditions worsen each day as Russians continue to ignore the prisoners’ right to medical treatment. The most common complaints include dental problems, varicose veins, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. In effect, the Russian side is knowingly endangering the lives of political prisoners by neglecting their health and denying necessary treatment.
Inhumane detention conditions and the lack of medical assistance in Russian prisons continue to result in the deaths of political prisoners. In recent years, Dzhemil Hafarov, Kostiantyn Shyrinh, Rustem Virati, and others have died in captivity.
As of now, at least 60 individuals are being held in poor health and are in urgent need of medical treatment. We call on the international community to pay close attention to the violations of detention conditions, the denial of medical care, and the lack of access to essential medication for political prisoners.